Pallister will improve access to capital, innovation

Plan designed to fuel jobs and economic growth: Pallister

March 30, 2016

Progressive Conservative Leader Brian Pallister today outlined his commitment to improved access to investment capital as part of his ten point plan to grow the Manitoba economy.

“Entrepreneurs create the small and medium-sized businesses that are the backbone of our economy, and they need capital to fuel job creation,” said Pallister. “Manitoba consistently ranks at or near the bottom amongst provinces on availability of venture capital.”

A new Progressive Conservative government will develop a comprehensive access to capital strategy in consultation with the business community. This strategy will identify and address capital financing needs across the full venture capital spectrum – from idea to commercialization. The strategy will include improvements to the Small Business Venture Capital Tax Credit and a community-led, government-championed approach to available federal programs.

"Our greatest resource is our people – innovative and creative Manitobans setting the standard for excellence across many economic sectors," said Pallister. “A new Progressive Conservative government will create new tools for innovative businesses to grow and create jobs."

The Enterprise Machine Intelligence and Learning Initiative (EMILI) is a prime example of what can be accomplished when Manitoba's business community bands together. Innovation, economic growth, job creation and investment all go hand-in-hand. This Manitoba-based non-profit program was created to maintain and advance Canada’s global leadership and competitiveness in the emerging field of machine learning.

"We will make investment capital more accessible for Manitoba entrepreneurs and we will step up and champion "Made in Manitoba" programs like EMILI,” said Pallister. “This will leverage private capital and help existing Manitoba companies improve their operations and maintain their competitive edge in a rapidly changing world."

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